|
Making a Power Play, the Shimano Tranx Baitcaster
| Date: |
6/15/17 |
| Tackle type: |
Reel |
| Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.55 -
GREAT
Introduction:
When it comes to upsized power reels Shimano has a relatively small lineup when
compared to most of the other competitors. The Curado 300 has grown long in the
tooth, and yet continues to be a favorite among big bait anglers. Many anglers
have moved on to the more affordable Daiwa Lexa or very polished Abu Revo Toro
reels. Shimano has been due to overhaul their big baitcaster lineup
and the company’s latest power play was to leverage their saltwater proven Tranx
Series to create a new platform that could handle both fresh and saltwater
applications, and just about everything in between.
|
Shimano
Tranx 300A Reel
Specifications |
|
Line
Capacity (lbs / yds) |
14/180, 17/150 |
|
Gear Ratio |
5.8:1 (7.6:1 also
available in AHG reel) |
|
Measured Weight |
11.6 ounces |
|
Measured Max. Drag |
23.4 lbs measured
max drag |
|
Number of
Bearings |
5BB + 1RB |
|
Features |
Hagane-body (metal frame), X-Ship, Core Protect water resistant design,
HEG gearing, power handle in high speed reels |
|
Origin |
Malaysia |
|
MSRP |
$299.99 |
Shimano's latest big baitcaster,
the Shimano Tranx
Impressions:
Round reels are great but the popularity of oversized low profile baitcasters
continues to gain momentum as anglers don’t want to sacrifice ergonomics when
fishing heavier applications. The Curado 300 whet the appetite for big bait and
inshore anglers and yet they wanted more power and more capacity, all in sleeker
updated design. Shimano’s answer is the new Tranx Series, designed with the
latest HEG and X-Ship technologies to enable anglers to better tackle big fish
in both heavy freshwater and saltwater applications beyond just inshore.
Originally a saltwater series the Tranx is now ready for freshwater duty
The Tranx Series is available in four new models, the Tranx 300, 400, and
left-hand retrieve 301 and 401 with more powerful 5.8:1 gear ratios; and the
Tranx 300HG, 400HG, left-hand retrieve 301HG and 401HG, all with faster 7.6:1
gear ratios. The Tranx HG reels are capable of retrieving 40-inches of line per
crank with their single handle and durable, lightweight CI4+ knob. The low gear
reels retrieve 30-inches of line and have a double handle with oversized rubber
knobs.
The Tranx is
designed for tossing big baits and taking down big fish
These reels are designed to handle big fish and heavy applications and to
achieve that Shimano needed to deliver a combination of both power and capacity.
The Tranx 300 reels hold up to 190 yard of 50-pound test PowerPro (or 180 yards
of 14-pound mono), while the 400 size Tranx can handle 170-yards of 65-pound
PowerPro (or 260 yards of 14-pound mono.) Both have plenty of capacity to tackle
even large species in fresh and brackish water, as well as address numerous
saltwater applications as well.
Anodized blue
handles and drag stars give the Tranx a splash of color
Styling on the new Tranx reels is elegant, maybe even conservative when compared
with Shimano’s smaller baitcasters, but certainly a lot more modern looking than
the original Tranx reels.
The new reels feature a protective coating over for
enhanced corrosion resistance and it is the deep blue anodized drag star and
handle that provide the most dramatic visual styling cues. Personally I like the
way that the Tranx looks, and the neutral silver and blue finish makes it easy
to match this reel up with just about any rod.
The silver
finish is clean and simple and looks good on just about any rod
Next Section: Taking the Tranx's cranking power to task  |
